Appointed as caretakers
O LORD, our Lord,
your greatness is seen in all the world!
Your praise reaches up to the heavens;
it is sung by children and babies.
You are safe and secure from all your enemies;
you stop anyone who opposes you. (verses 1,2)
Read Psalm 8
Have you ever had one of those moments when you’ve been given a glimpse of God’s greatness? It might have been when you were sitting quietly on a mountain top, marveling at the expanse of God’s creation, or when you looked through a microscope and saw the wonders of God’s creative handiwork. It might even have been when you admired a newborn child and saw how intricately and wonderfully it was made.
Yet what is more remarkable is that God has chosen you to be a little lower than himself. Despite your greed and selfishness, God still appointed you to look after his magnificent creation. Even though God alone has all power, creativity and majesty, he has appointed humans to tend his wonders.
Sometimes you can’t help feeling like a child who is still learning the ropes, especially since God has given you such an awesome responsibility.
Dear heavenly Father, I marvel at your creation and wonder why you chose me to look after it. Please help me to give you praise through my care of your garden. Amen.
by Stuart Kleinig, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2002)
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